13 Photos From This Year's Burning Man Festival That Make Our Nostrils Flare

Magic lives here.

Many people have their bucket list of things they want to do before they die. Some want to travel the world; others — partake in extreme adventures; those who are more reserved might dream of simple things, such as eating an exotic dish or flying first class.

As for us, it's the one thing that unites unbearable heat with an incredible atmosphere, and the priceless feeling of being young, wild and free. It's the Burning Man festival.

Because as Olivia Steele's neon sign announces, Burning Man is exactly the place you need to be ... at least once in your lifetime.

1. Stretched out across the playa of Nevada's Black Rock Desert, Burning Man is a massive arts and culture festival visited by tens of thousands of people annually.

2. But one would say it's more than that. It's home to a vibrant community of individuals, free spirits, weirdos ... whatever you'd like to call people who like to express themselves and not bother with what others might think.

6. Because of the sandstorms, everyone looks like they're from some dystopian, steampunk future, with goggles and bandanas wrapped around their faces.

7. But in the shimmering heat of the desert, clothes aren't really an option ...

Continue reading to see more of our favorite moments from this year's Burning Man festival.

8. 'LOVE' by Alexandr Milov was definitely one of the most hard-hitting art pieces in the festival. It demonstrates a conflict between a man and a woman while their inner selves are still holding hands, showing that hope remains.